Chancellor Rachel Reeves has launched a scathing attack on the Conservative Party and Reform UK, accusing them of forming a 'cruel alliance' intent on pushing children back into poverty. The criticism comes as the Labour government introduces landmark legislation to abolish the controversial two-child benefit limit.
A Policy of Poverty
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror ahead of the legislation being tabled, Ms Reeves took aim at the opposition's stance. She highlighted that Reform leader Nigel Farage had previously indicated support for scrapping the limit but has now said his party will vote against its removal. 'He's all over the place,' the Chancellor stated, criticising what she called a pattern of inconsistency from Reform.
The policy in question restricts Child Tax Credits and Universal Credit to the first two children in a family. Labour analysis warns that reinstating it, as proposed by the Conservatives, would drag 470,000 children back into poverty. Chancellor Reeves emphasised that 60% of families affected by the limit are working families, arguing the policy punishes those in employment.
Starmer's Stark Warning
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to deliver a parallel warning, stating that Tory and Reform plans would result in hundreds of thousands of kids being plunged back into hardship. During a visit to Bedfordshire, Mr Starmer is expected to say: 'Nigel Farage seems intent on linking arms with the Conservatives in a cruel alliance to push kids who need help back into poverty. These aren’t numbers on a spreadsheet – these are children’s life chances at stake.'
Labour has also scrutinised Reform's proposed tweak to the policy, which would only abolish the limit for families where both parents are British and work full-time. The party calculates this adjusted plan would help fewer than 3,700 children, representing less than 1% of those currently impacted.
The Battle for Britain's Future
Ms Reeves announced the scrapping of the two-child limit in last year's Budget, a move projected to lift 450,000 children out of poverty. However, she dismissed calls on Wednesday for legally binding child poverty targets, arguing such laws could be easily overturned. 'The only way to stop the Tories and Reform from reversing these changes is to keep on voting for a Labour government,' she asserted.
The Chancellor framed the upcoming parliamentary vote as a clear dividing line in British politics. She concluded by stating that for the hundreds of thousands of children who will benefit from warmer homes, free school meals, and the abolition of the limit, 'there is quite a big difference in politics between the big parties.' The government's legislation marks a pivotal moment in its mission to tackle child poverty across the UK.
